Interior CS Fred Matiang'i issues statement on stoning of Raila Odinga's chopper in Eldoret

The attack on former Prime Minister Raila Odinga by a mob in Uasin Gishu County on Friday, April 1, has been condemned by the Interior Cabinet Secretary, Fred Matiang'i.

Matiang'i denounced the attack in a statement and ordered security agencies to investigate the incident immediately and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Those responsible for the stoning of Raila's chopper will be arrested, according to the Interior CS, who also indicated that those engaged in the planning and funding of the chaos will also be punished.

Odinga had flown to Eldoret to condole with the family and friends of the late Jackson Kibor during his burial when the rowdy youths stoned the helicopter and vehicles ferrying the ODM leader and his entourage.

Raila Odinga's chopper pelted with stones after Mzee Jackson Kibor's funeral. Pulse Live Kenya

"My attention has been drawn to the stoning and the resultant damage of a helicopter and motor vehicles associated with the Azimio presidential candidate, Raila Odinga, during the funeral service of Mzee Jackson Kibor in Uasin Gishu County today.

"I call upon the National Police Service (NPS) to investigate the matter and ensure that all the culprits and their masterminds are made to swiftly and decisively face the consequences of their criminal actions," ordered Matiang’i.

Quick action by police officers on duty at the scene averted what would have been a spree of destruction and attacks resulting to injuries or deaths.

Inspector-General of Police Hillary Mutyambai also issued firm instructions to the Rift Valley Regional Police Commander to urgently take decisive action against the perpetrators.

In a statement of his own, Odinga said he was lucky that the stones did not hit him or anyone nearby.

He added that the attack presents a very dark reminder of what this country has witnessed before, particularly in the run-up to the 1992 elections and in the 2007-2008 polls.

Raila Odinga arriving for the burial of Mzee Jackson Kibor in Eldoret Pulse Live Kenya

"For today's unfortunate events, I hold Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandagor and Soy MP Caleb Kositany responsible.

"I call on the two, and all leaders from the region who believe in our constitution, to come out now, not later, condemn the incident and promise an end to the bizarre attempts to balkanize the country into ethnic and tribal party zones ahead of August election," Odinga urged.

On his part, Deputy President William Ruto also strongly condemned the chaos that erupted in his home county.

“Every politician has the right to sell their agenda in every part of the country. We should listen, evaluate their policies and then decide whom to support. Political violence is retrogressive, divisive and tears down our democracy. We condemn and reject it without reservation,” Ruto said.